Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'flesh'

English Word: flesh

Key Russian Translations:

• плоть [ˈplotʲ] - [Formal, Literary]
• мясо [ˈmʲaso] - [Informal, Everyday, for food or animal flesh]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary and biological contexts, less so in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and context-specific usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плоть: [ˈplotʲ]

Note on плоть: The 'ть' is a soft sign that palatalizes the preceding 't', making it sound softer; common in formal Russian speech.

мясо: [ˈmʲaso]

Note on мясо: The initial 'м' is palatalized, which can be tricky for English speakers; stress is on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The soft substance of the body, often in a literal or metaphorical sense (e.g., human or animal tissue).

Translation(s) & Context:

• плоть - Used in formal, literary, or philosophical contexts, such as discussing the human body or abstract concepts like "the flesh" in religious texts.
• мясо - Applied in everyday contexts related to food, biology, or anatomy, but less metaphorical.

Usage Examples:

• Его плоть была изможденной после долгого путешествия.

  His flesh was exhausted after the long journey. (Demonstrates metaphorical use in a narrative context.)

• В религиозных текстах плоть часто символизирует человеческие слабости.

  In religious texts, flesh often symbolizes human weaknesses. (Shows idiomatic and abstract usage.)

• Мясо животных используется в кулинарии по всему миру.

  The flesh of animals is used in cuisine around the world. (Illustrates practical, everyday context.)

• Под кожей скрывается плоть, которая нуждается в заботе.

  Beneath the skin lies the flesh that needs care. (Emphasizes anatomical description.)

• Свежее мясо лучше всего готовить на гриле.

  Fresh flesh is best cooked on a grill. (Common in culinary contexts, using 'мясо'.)

Meaning 2: Figurative use, such as in expressions related to desires or worldly matters.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плоть - Common in poetic or spiritual contexts, e.g., "flesh vs. spirit."

Usage Examples:

• В поэзии плоть противопоставляется духу.

  In poetry, flesh is contrasted with the spirit. (Highlights literary opposition.)

• Мясо этой рыбы слишком жесткое для еды.

  The flesh of this fish is too tough for eating. (Shows sensory description in food context.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'плоть' and 'мясо' are feminine nouns in Russian, which undergo declension based on case, number, and gender. 'Плоть' is less commonly used and has standard feminine declensions, while 'мясо' follows a similar pattern but is more irregular in some forms due to its root.

Note: 'Мясо' can be uncountable in some contexts, reducing its plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тело (body, more general) - Often used interchangeably with плоть in metaphorical contexts.
  • медиум (medium, in biological sense) - Less common, more scientific.
• Antonyms:
  • дух (spirit) - Contrasts with плоть in philosophical or religious discussions.
  • кость (bone) - Physical opposite in anatomical contexts.

Related Phrases:

• плоть и кровь - Meaning: Flesh and blood (family or human nature); e.g., in familial contexts.
• мясо по-французски - Meaning: Meat à la française (a specific dish); used in culinary settings.
• грехи плоти - Meaning: Sins of the flesh; refers to physical or worldly temptations.

Usage Notes:

'Плоть' is a more formal or archaic term, often aligned with English 'flesh' in literary or religious contexts, while 'мясо' corresponds better to everyday uses like food. English speakers should note that Russian nouns decline, so 'flesh' as 'плоть' changes form in sentences (e.g., genitive 'плоти' for possession). Choose 'мясо' for practical scenarios and 'плоть' for abstract ones to avoid sounding unnatural. Be mindful of cultural connotations, as 'плоть' can imply mortality or sin.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'плоть' in casual food contexts, e.g., saying "Я ем плоть" instead of "Я ем мясо".
  Correct: "Я ем мясо" (I eat meat). Explanation: 'Плоть' sounds overly dramatic or biblical, which can confuse listeners.
• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "о плоть" instead of "о плоти".
  Correct: "О плоти человека" (About human flesh). Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so prepositional case changes the form.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'плоть' often carries biblical undertones from Orthodox Christianity, symbolizing human frailty or temptation, as seen in texts like the Bible. This contrasts with English usage and can add depth to literary works, emphasizing the soul-body dichotomy in Russian philosophy and art.

Related Concepts:

• тело (body)
• кожа (skin)
• душа (soul)